Report: Oregon RB De’Anthony Thomas Visiting With Bears Tuesday

 

Ross Jones of Fox Sports reports that Oregon RB De’Anthony Thomas will meet with the Chicago Bears on Tuesday.

• Jones adds that Thomas has already worked out with the Atlanta Falcons a few weeks ago.

Thomas was known as a burner in college, often showing raw sprinter speed and great vision as a ball carrier. However, Thomas’ posted an underwhelming 40-yard dash time of 4.50 at the NFL combine 4.50 effort.

Thomas was able to improve upon that time at his Oregon Pro Day as he recorded times of 4.34 and 4.35.

While scouting reports point to Thomas’ undersized stature, he has proved to be a versatile weapon as a receiver, running back and kick return specialist. In fact, Thomas was the only player in college football to record 400-yards in rushing, receiving and kick return yards.

The fact that the Bears have at least some interest in Thomas is interesting, especially now that they parted ways with Michael Bush. As things stand right now, Michael Ford is their No. 2 running back behind Matt Forte, so it would make plenty of sense for them to draft someone during the middle rounds who could help to spell Forte at times next season.

It’s hard to pin point where Thomas could come off the board right now. Both CBS Sports and DraftInsider.net has Thomas projected as a sixth-round pick, so he could be interesting day-three name to keep an eye on.